“It’s not how much we give but how much love we put into giving.”  ― Mother Teresa

Who’s loving the festive season?  Who’s getting totally stressed out from it all?  With all the holiday parties to attend, one too many swipes of the credit card, scouring the stores for THE perfect gifts and the anxiety of spending time with that family member who just– to put it plain + simple— gets on your last nerve….. the sparkle, magic and beauty of the holidays can turn into a depressing, stressful and lackluster occasion.  Don’t let that happen sistas!

We’re wrapping up a big year and that alone is reason to celebrate.  In the remaining weeks of December, let’s sloooooow down.  Remember the reason for the season.  Has ‘gift giving’ turned into more of a commercialized expectation between you and your family and friends, rather than a genuine token of love and appreciation?  Has it become normal for you to start the New Year with maxed out credit cards?   Please take that pressure off yourself!  Some of the most meaningful gifts are the ones that cost very little, but had so much thought put into them.  Giving your time and attention to someone who gets very little of it throughout the year can be the best gift you could ever give them and it’s FREE! 

Trust me, I love shopping for the important people in my life!  It’s so fun to find that perfect, unique gift you just know will bring a big smile to their face and twinkle in their eye.   It’s a win-win.  The giver feels good and so does the receiver!   But, say you had a rough year financially….PLEASE communicate that with your family + friends.  It may bruise your pride and ego, but you’ll get over it.  That brief sting is better than the long-term pain of paying off the credit card interest throughout the coming year.   There are so many low cost options these days.  Get creative.   Also, many people feel if you buy them a gift then they’re obligated to reciprocate with a gift of an equal amount.  WHY?  This is just another way we suck the love, joy and beauty out of the season.  If you find that perfect gift for a friend, give it without expecting anything in return.  That is true giving.  

In the week ahead, I WILL…..

1. Stick to my gift budget without running up my credit cards.
2. Not feel guilty about declining a social invitation.
3. Be present in the moment. This special holiday only happens once a year.
4. Not allow that ‘certain’ family member to steal my joy.
5. Slow down.
6. Enjoy the cookies, candy and hot toddy in moderation.
7. Respect others traditions, but will start a few of my own.
8. Rock the red lip, red heel, red dress or all three.
9. Give a deserving person my time and attention.
10. Not neglect my workouts because it’s an instant stress buster.
11. Give without expectation!

Need a few gift ideas for the fashionista or the foodie in your life?  Check out this video replay:

I would love to hear your thoughts and two-cents on the topic of gift giving.   Each and every comment is appreciated!   Do you have a great holiday stress-reliever?  Share it sista!

We have (2) more weeks of Stocking Stuffer Giveaways!  Don’t miss out.  Make sure to check in on the FACEBOOK PAGE during the week.  You must be a subscriber to this blog, part of the Facebook Community and make at least (1) comment during the giveaway week!  Winner will be announced on Friday.  BIG CONGRATS to last week’s winner, Colleen Campbell-Voigt!

Happy Hanakkuh to those of you celebrating!

Wishing you a week full of twinkly lights + sparkly sequin!

Love, Tiff